In Pursuit of a Curl Pattern: Coping skills

Hi Folks!  Kiki is back with another update!  She has not fired up the blow dryer of flat iron despite second guessing her curly journey and not knowing what to do with her hair. 

 

Let's see what she's up to this week!  Here is Kiki in her own words:

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

Whew,  what's going to happen today?  

 

Will I succumb to temptation and keep straightening my hair?  Do I keep doing what has worked and what will end this journey of suspense?   LOL!   What are my options?  Go back to using heat so I can do something with my hair OR find someone to braid my hair again.   At this time, I am willing to do both but I am resolved to fight for my curl pattern until I succeed or am defeated.  I admit, I don't mind being defeated, but I will try to continue with this journey. 

 

It is Friday at 9am and if I am not going to use heat, the only place I can go is the infamous African Braiding shop near my house.  I hate to give my money to this shop.  They are so trifling but that's another story on another day, another blog.

 

This is what I decided to do:

 

Kinky twists

Kinky twists

 

Well, well well! Who is that and where has she been?  Is this the "me"  that, after having decades of long hair, made a very serious declaration to no longer have hair that passes my shoulders????  WHAT?!  Yep!  Who would have known that on Day 25, Kenya  would return.  Her husband sure did not see that one coming.   Look at his face... Happy, Happy, Happy .   

 

Happy Husband

 

 He keeps staring at me.  Stalker!   I don't have the heart to tell him that it is so temporary, I still don't want long hair and it's not mine.  LOL!    Enjoy it James! 

 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

Wow Kiki!!! You are STILL holding strong and I love it!! I'm also glad that the hubby is happy....even if it's only temporary!

 

Kiki is finding ways to cope and is determined to get her curls back.  Transitioning can be tough....but the end result is SO worth it.  Keep it up! 

 

Peace and blessings!

 

In Pursuit of a Curl Pattern: Hats hats and more hats!

Ki-ki is back!  Hats have been a way for her to cope with her new look  and this post will feature an array of  hats that she's been wearing over the past week.  Here is Ki - ki in her own words:

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Until I gain confidence or get used to my 30 day look, I have taken to wearing hats all of the time.  Here are some of my "model shots" in case there are those out there in need of hats too.  (Please excuse the model, the photographer, the background and any random objects.) :)

 

The MJ hat -   I got this hat from a corner Asian store in Detroit!   I love it because it reminds me of Michael Jackson's glove.    Oh, poor Michael.  So exceptionally good and so crazy, SMH.

 

 

Girl Power! -  This is a new hat from Walmart - only $6.96!   I love it!  It says, "I mean business!".   Go Walmart!

 

 

Most Compliments Hat - This old lime green hat from the Target clearance rack never fails to get a compliment from a stranger each time that I wear it.   It does not fail to brighten my day, if I am feeling low or the weather outside is gray.  I love it!

New Summer Hat - Oh no!  This is my new 2013 hat from Target.  It doesn't fit anymore. 

WTH?!?!

New Fall Hat -  This is my new Fall 2013 hat.  It is super cool and full of style.  The best part is that it only cost $6.96 at Walmart!  Yep, Walmart!

 

Old Favorite - I absolutely love this hat and hope that I will have it to wear forever.  It is an old hat from Target clearance rack.  The fit is so comfortable that I forget I am wearing it.   It matches most casual outfits.  Definitely, an oldie but goodie.

 

Winter Hat -  This is my winter hat from Burlington Coat Factory.  I am sure that I did not pay much for it but it is warm, cozy and nice color that matches with mostly anything.  This is as far down as I can get it on with my new boy head.  (May not be able to wear it this winter).

 

Road Trip Hat - Oh, this poor that - I hardly care about it - just toss it on and treat it any kind of way.  I can't remember where I picked this up from.

 
 

Beach Hat -  Oh yeah, Baby!  Take me to the beach.... I love this floppy hat but  only works well at the beach when I don't have to chase the kids.  Maybe this is from Target....

I  hope that I have illustrated that hats are a viable option for those who may be in need.  One doesn't have to spend a lot of money.  Clearance racks are the best places to look.  I recommend  having a min of 2 or 3 that are different from each other but that can be worn with a variety of  outfits

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ki-ki!!! I love the beach hat the most!  The new summer hat look is quite comical!!  Oh and the MJ hat!!! Have Mercy!!! It really does remind you of those gloves! :) Thanks for sharing and bringing us along on your curly journey!  I can't wait to see what's next! 

Remember folks...scour the clearance racks for some good deals!

Personally, scarves and head wraps have been my go to accessory, especially on those bad hair days! 

What do you think about Ki-ki's hats? 


Peace and blessings!

In Pursuit of a Curl Pattern: Kiki's Curly Journey Begins!!

 

Hi Folks! Today is special on The Natural Journey For Life! My first GUEST POST!! :)

 

Remember no curl Kiki? Well Kiki has made a life changing decision and wants to share it with us! Keep reading to get the inside scoop!

 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Kiki's Curl Journey:

 

On August 20th, I decided to seriously pursue my natural curl pattern! Since I made that choice 24 hours ago (this post was written on 8/21/13), my hair life has been a roller coaster. What a way to start, huh?

 

Last night, I decided to try the wash and go to see what happens. I washed, conditioned and used a product that has been successful at keeping moisture and curls for some.... I was surprised when the sides and back of my hair curled up. They were not tight curls by any means but they were still curls. The only problem area that I saw was the front "bang area". That hair was as straight as a line! I just kept manipulating, moving, shaping and tucking until that portion was swooped over to one side. My hair had shape, wave like curls and style. I was geeked.... "This will be better than I imagined"... I thought. (roller coaster up)

 

My hair was mostly dry when I went to bed and I was pleased. However, morning came and things were very different. I woke up to find that all of my curly wisps were straight!!!! My head was a poofy straight mess!!!! Of course, I put on my poofy hat and went about my day. (roller coaster down)

 

A few hours later, I was determined to get braids. Something quick.... so I went to the African hair shop in the mall and yes, they could give me 6 chunky cornrows. "Great", I thought. Doing this style would give me time to figure out the next step, give my hair a heat break and allow me to look presentable to the world.    90 minutes and $80 later, I was done! Everything seemed good. When I looked in the mirror I was satisfied. (roller coaster up)

 

Kiki and her chunky cornrows........I'm liking this look!

 

However, when I got home to document this phase in my pursuit, I did not like what the camera was showing me. This hair style looks horrible on me!  The chunky braids are not chunky or high enough to balance my face. I realized that this is what I would look like if I had did the BIG CHOP. My hair is now flatter than it has EVER been. I am not sure if I look better up close or far away (see pics)! I look like a big headed boy!!! My hair life definitely needs something going on horizontally. (roller coaster down)

 

 

Now, as I have been pondering how I can stop looking like a boy, I realize that looking like a boy is not so bad. First of all, I won't be using heat for 30 days. I don't have to worry about what to do with my hair and I have time to plan my next adventure - wet sets. I can make use of my many hats that I enjoy wearing anyway and buy a few more, of course.  I'll save the sparkly one for church and dare anyone to say something to me or look at me funny! LOL!   And the best part is I can get rid of the boy look anytime I want to. Also, my husband is out of town this week. By the time he gets back and makes his "I hate it" comments, I won't care about looking like a boy anymore. LOL! (roller coaster stopped and I'm getting off)

 

30 Day adventure prep - Wet sets...these are Kiki's supplies......
 

In closing, that was my Day 1. What I learned is what I always knew. If you're a woman, no matter what hair you have, you must keep a collection of cute coverings - hats, scarfs or wigs - they are the default and can save the day.

 



Coping skills.....remember if you see Kiki in church wearing the sparkly one (far left)...just turn your head and keep praising the Lord!

 

 

 

The End

This post was written by Kiki on August 21st, 2013

 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

Wow! I feel like I was on a roller coaster too!  I'm proud of Kiki for taking this first step in regaining her curls!!! Whoop Whoop! Thank you for letting us be a part of your curl journey!!!

 

Any comments or encouragement for Kiki?

 

 

Peace and blessings!